My silkies and cochins are about 7 weeks old now. They have been outside for about a week. It was nice at first and all has been totally well. Last night got down in the low 50's and they were alive this morning, WHEW! They have an enclosed coop that opens to a run, but I put a tarp over their run as it rained last night. Well tonight it is going in the low 40's. I put the tarp over the run again to keep out any breezes, but I caved and put their red bulb out there tonight. It is a 50 watt bulb, I think. Should I have just let them brave it?
Well I just went out and checked them. It is already 43. The bulb is heating them up though and they are happily chirping. I think they will be ok. They are not sitting right under the bulb.
I think about as conditioning them for colder weather., Here in Portland its 55 and not cold and tonight it will be in the mid 40s. Its good for them to get conditioned to nights and chilly days ahead. As long as the temps do not plunge to 30's wouldnt be to worried. The high 40 and 50 are mild and they will huddle up together, my girls do and have from day one huddle up together. They are tougher than you think. My girls last night at 8 or so were in the brooder on the closet pole perches just chirping and peeping away. No heat light and 1 of the 2 vents closed to stop the draft and air flow now that its getting a bit colder. My girls were new around July 14th or so. . Steve
At 7 weeks they should be fully feathered. The more there are, the better the cold is tolerated. Give them plenty of food by day and they should be fine.
I think they will be fine at 7 weeks without a lamp. In my area, it's good to get them used to the cold! ETA: My broody has her two weekers running around and playing outside. It was 36 degrees this morning and they don't even seem to care. LOL.
My six-weekers were out last night with no supplemental heat at 38 degrees (assume a couple degrees warmer in their doghouse, just due to retained heat). They were fine, all screaming at the door for me to let them out this morning. I was cold, but then I don't have a built in feather coat.
I'd say it would depend how many chicks you have out there. Just a few, I might give them the lamp. Over a dozen, they'll huddle up together and be fine.
Thanks everyone.THere is eight 7 week olds out there and 3 -2.5 months old. The older ones don't huddle with the babies, as they are the boss, lol. The eight huddle well. I am mostly concerned because our temps dropped so quickly in a week. They did have the lamp last night. All are well today. I think it is going to warm up again for a few days. For the person who asked where I was, I am in Ohio.
